Author's note: Hello there! Some of you asked if this story was written with the Spanish Flu in mind, and yes, you are correct! The Spanish flu was in the late 1910's, which is the era that Fullmetal Alchemist takes place. I thought it would be interesting to see how the characters would respond to something they couldn't fight with alchemy or fists.

The next day, Edward and Winry were on the train heading to Central. It was cold but a clear sunny day in Risembool. As they approached Central, Winry sighed looking out the window. She loved going through this valley because it was normally very pretty but the weather seemed to get gloomier as they got closer to their destination. The clear sky had turned gray with low lying clouds. She noticed that there was snow on the ground now as the train pulled into Central.

Edward and Winry noticed that half of the people were wearing masks due to the nasty influenza strain going around. Edward was surprised that people were taking it this seriously. They made their way to Gracia's in the cold and through the snow on the streets. Edward held one suitcase in his hand and his wife held his other arm to stay steady as the snow made it difficult to walk through.

Elysia opened the door as soon as Winry had knocked. They figured she had been waiting for them. Winry hugged the young girl "Elysia, it's so good to see you! You've grown since we saw you at our wedding."

Riza came up and hugged Edward and Winry. "It's good to see you two despite the circumstances."

Edward asked "How is Mrs. Hughes today?"

"More alert but she's still very ill. The doctor came by and gave her some medicine for the fever and cough syrup. It seems to ease the symptoms," Riza informed them. Edward and Winry nodded. They took their bags to the guest room and got settled. Elysia took Winry to see her room and her new doll house while Edward and Riza caught up.

Then Roy came in with four boxes of pizza. "I hope this was enough," he said. Edward helped him bring in the boxes. The four of them had dinner. Riza would make a can of soup for Gracia. She wasn't sure if Gracia would want pizza while being so ill.

Elysia didn't stop talking to Winry about everything that had happened. This was her first year at school so there was a lot for Elysia to say. Everyone could see the bond between Winry and Elysia, and it brought some warmth to the room.

After eating dinner, Winry and Edward went to see Gracia. Elysia took Winry by the hand and escorted her to Gracia. Winry paused before the door and put on a surgical mask as did Edward. They figured they needed to be cautious. "Mommy, wake up. We have visitors!"

Gracia woke up slowly and turned to see the young couple. "Edward, Winry, I can't believe you're here."

Winry smiled. "Of course, we're here. We came to help you get better. How are you? Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine for now," Gracia waved them off. She was slightly embarrassed that she couldn't entertain her guests.

Edward chimed in. "Well, Ms. Riza is making you soup. It should be ready soon."

Gracia nodded and turned to Elysia. "Could you play in your room for a few minutes while I talk to Edward and Winry?" Elysia nodded and went to her room.

Roy and Riza came in with the soup and stood next to Edward and Winry. Gracia sat up with some help from Winry and accepted the tray of soup. "Thank you all for coming. I'm sorry we can't do much."

Winry waved her hands. "No, it's fine. We really are glad to help."

Gracia smiled. "I haven't seen you two since you've been married. How long has it been?"

Winry happily told her "Four months. Sorry we've been busy since our honeymoon so we haven't had time to visit." Edward held Winry's hand.

Gracia sighed with a smile. "So you two are still in your honeymoon phase. It's wonderful, isn't it?" Edward and Winry blushed at what she was referring to because they knew it was true.

Gracia continued "Are you expecting yet?"

Edward and Winry's blush went from pink cheeks to red faces. Winry shook her head. "No, we're taking precautions! Ed is planning on doing some travelling in the spring for his research."

Gracia laughed a little at their reaction but then started coughing. She recovered and spoke to them. "I'm sorry for being so forward about this but I have a request. And I'm sorry to ask this of you two with only being married for a few months. But if something were to happen to me, would you take care of Elysia?"

Edward, Winry, Roy, and Riza's eyes widened realizing the depth of the request she was asking. Winry shook her head. "Mrs. Hughes, there's no need for that. You're going to get better, okay? You have to for her." Winry felt her eyes starting to water.

Edward put his hand on Winry's shoulder. "Of course, we'll take care of Elysia." He looked down at Gracia with a serious face. Winry looked at him shocked but then looked at Gracia, who had a pleading look in her eyes. And Winry swallowed back her tears and nodded in agreement.

Gracia started coughing again, much harder this time. She held a napkin to her mouth and when she took it away, there was blood on it. Riza saw this and retrieved the cough syrup. Gracia took the cough medicine and ate some of her soup.

After getting Gracia settled for the night, Winry tucked Elysia in bed and read to her. Winry was staying upbeat for Elysia but was a little sad thinking of Gracia's request. Winry stayed with Elysia until she fell asleep and kissed her forehead before leaving the bedroom.

Winry joined the other adults that were up. Roy was asking Edward "Are you sure you two can handle raising a child? You're both barely adults."

"It doesn't matter. We'll make it work. Granny took me in when Mom died. And Teacher helped us too. They did so much for me and Al. It's the least we can do to help pay back Mr. Hughes for everything he did for us." Edward told him and Riza. Winry sat next to Edward.

Roy told them "I know but…"

Winry cried out "Can we stop talking about her like she's dying?! We're here to help her get better."

Riza's face softened. "Of course. You're right. We'll help in any way that we can. Now Roy and I have to go back to work tomorrow so we need to get some rest. Call the private line in case you need us." Riza and Roy got up and left.

Edward and Winry talked until they were ready for bed. The guest room only had two twin beds in it. Winry got in one bed and scooted over. Edward said "I guess I'll take the other bed. There's not much room."

"That's nonsense. There's plenty of room. Get in," WInry patted the side of the bed. Edward hesitated. "Come on Edward, I need you to help me stay warm."

"Okay, if you need me to stay warm," Edward put his pillow on the bed and laid next to her. They snuggled and kissed each other. Winry getting as close to him as possible for his body warmth. He had put his navy blue pajamas on that she had bought him and a sock on his metal foot so that the cold appendage wouldn't bother them.

"Ed?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you mean it when you said we would raise Elysia?"

"Yeah. Sorry I didn't ask you but we were kind of put on the spot."

"No, it's fine. I agree. I just don't like thinking of it."

"I know. Neither do I but Winry, she's just scared and wants to make sure her daughter is taken care of."

Winry nodded understanding and they kissed harder knowing that they shouldn't take each day for granted and held each other tighter. They both wanted the other to know how much they loved each other. They loosened their hold and eventually went to sleep.